Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson urged Ottawa on Friday to adopt a “Prairie pragmatism” mindset toward Canada’s natural resources, framing closer federal-Alberta cooperation as both an economic imperative and a matter of national unity.
Speaking at a Financial Post and Calgary Economic Development event on February 13, Hodgson argued that resource development must now sit alongside defense and trade on Canada’s list of national security priorities. “Ottawa has awoken to something Western Canada has known for a long time: energy and mineral security is also national security,” he told the downtown Calgary audience.
The speech came as Alberta separatists pressed a petition drive that requires 177,732 signatures by early May to force a province-wide independence referendum. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent amplified tensions last month when he called an independent Alberta a potential “natural partner” for the United States — though officials say Bessent was not among the American officials that leaders of the pro-independence Alberta Prosperity Project met during three visits to Washington, DC last year.
Related: Alberta Separatist Support Stalls at 19% Despite Aggressive Referendum Campaign
Hodgson pointed to the Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding signed in November by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as evidence of a genuine shift in Ottawa’s posture. The agreement granted Alberta special exemptions from federal environmental laws and opened the door to a new bitumen pipeline to British Columbia’s north coast — a deal significant enough that Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault resigned from cabinet in protest.
The memorandum set an April 1 deadline for finalizing sub-agreements on carbon pricing, methane emissions, a major carbon capture project, and a new impact assessment process for energy projects. Hodgson acknowledged the timeline may slip, but insisted both governments remain committed to the outcome.
“You work your damnedest to get to the deadlines, and you see what it looks like when you get really close,” he said. “If something slips, look how the other side behaves. If the other side says, ‘You know what, we’re working in good faith, we’re committed to this,’ we’re going to get this done.”
Alberta’s minister of affordability and utilities, Nathan Neudorf, who attended the event, offered a more measured assessment. He acknowledged that the two governments still hold positions that are “incredibly far apart” on certain issues — particularly around cost-sharing for the Pathways Alliance carbon capture project, a proposed development backed by major oilsands producers that would rank among the largest of its kind in the world.
Brad Parry, president of Calgary Economic Development, said Hodgson’s tone nonetheless signaled forward momentum. “Deadlines are deadlines, and sometimes they slip. But I think the positive thing is that they’re moving forward; they’re making progress,” Parry said.
Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur told the National Post that Hodgson’s background as a former oil and gas executive positions him as a credible federal voice in Alberta. “Having worked extensively in the energy sector himself, Hodgson is someone who prioritizes pragmatism over ideology,” Kaur said. “By fostering a respectful partnership with Alberta and the industry, he plays a critical role in bridging regional divides.”
Hodgson framed Canada’s energy strategy around four pillars — economic strength, national security, climate resilience, and democratic stability — and rejected what he called the false choice between resource development and climate action. He also pushed back against treating Indigenous economic participation in major projects as an afterthought, describing it as a “core economic strategy” and a sovereignty issue in its own right.
Friday’s address was Hodgson’s second appearance in Calgary since taking the energy portfolio, following an earlier speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
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